AP US History Unit 2 Review

Questions and Answers

What is mercantilism?

An economic policy under which nations sought to increase their wealth and power by obtaining large amounts of gold and silver and selling more goods than they bought (correct)

A system of government based on the rule of law

A form of socialism

An economic policy focused on free trade

What was the Stamp Act of 1765?

A law issued to raise revenues for the British military by mandating the use of stamped paper for tax payments.

Who were the Sons of Liberty?

A group advocating for peaceful resolution with Britain

A radical political organization for colonial independence formed in 1765 (correct)

A social club for wealthy colonists

A military organization to defend against British troops

What did the Declaratory Act of 1766 state?

It repealed the Stamp Act but asserted that Great Britain could rule the colonies as it saw fit. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Boston Massacre?

The first bloodshed of the American Revolution when British guards opened fire on a crowd, killing five Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Tea Act of 1773 allow?

It allowed the East India Company to bypass navigation taxes when exporting tea to the colonies. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Coercive Acts of 1774 also known as?

Intolerable Acts Signup and view all the answers

What was the First Continental Congress?

A meeting of delegates from all colonies except Georgia to discuss problems with Britain and promote independence. Signup and view all the answers

What significance did Lexington and Concord hold?

They were the first battles of the American Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The first important battle of the American War of Independence. Signup and view all the answers

What were the writs of assistance?

Legal documents allowing customs officers to inspect a ship's cargo without reason. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Declaration of Independence?

A document adopted on July 4, 1776, establishing the 13 American colonies as independent states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

It was a turning point in the American Revolution that convinced France to provide military support to the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

Who was General Cornwallis?

The British general who was trapped at Yorktown and forced to surrender. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Jay?

The first chief justice of the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The nation's first constitution, adopted in 1781, which limited federal power. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Northwest Ordinance establish?

A system for setting up governments in the western territories to ensure they could join the Union. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?

James Madison Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Anti-federalists?

Opponents of a strong central government who campaigned against the ratification of the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John Locke?

An English philosopher who advocated for the social contract and natural rights. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economic Policies and Early Resistance

Mercantilism: Economic principle emphasizing the accumulation of gold and silver through a favorable balance of trade, with nations aiming to maximize exports over imports.
Stamp Act of 1765: Law aimed at raising revenue for British military presence in America, requiring stamped paper for documents; ignited colonial anger over perceived violations of rights as Englishmen.
Sons of Liberty: Radical group formed post-Stamp Act, advocating for colonial independence, instigating protests, and later forming Committees of Correspondence to oppose British policies. Notable leaders included Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.

Escalation of Conflict

Declaratory Act of 1766: Repealed the Stamp Act while asserting British authority to legislate for the colonies.
Boston Massacre: Incident on March 5, 1770, where British soldiers fired on civilians, leading to five deaths and exacerbating tensions toward revolution.
Tea Act of 1773: Granted the East India Company a monopoly on tea trade, angering colonists and threatening local merchants.

Coercive Measures and Unity

Coercive Acts of 1774: Series of punitive measures, including closing Boston Harbor, limiting town meetings, establishing military governance, and mandating trials in England to punish colonists.
First Continental Congress: Convened in 1774 (excluding Georgia) to address grievances against Britain and promote a unified response for independence.

Key Battles and Turning Points

Lexington and Concord: The initial military engagements of the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775, marking the start of open conflict.
Battle of Bunker Hill: Significant 1775 confrontation that demonstrated colonial resolve despite British victory.
Battle of Saratoga: 1777 decisive win for American forces that secured French military support and turned the tide of the war.

Leadership and Governance

General Cornwallis: British commander who surrendered at Yorktown, ending major military operations in the Revolution.
John Jay: First Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, contributing to the formation of the nation’s judicial system.
Articles of Confederation: Adopted in 1781 as the first constitution of the U.S., it created a weak federal government with limited powers, emphasizing state sovereignty.

Expansion and Legacy

Northwest Ordinance of 1787: Critical legislation that established governance for western territories, facilitating their admission to the Union as equal states.
James Madison: Fourth U.S. president, key architect of the Constitution, and pivotal figure during the War of 1812.

Intellectual Foundations

Anti-Federalists: Group advocating against a strong central government and opposing the Constitution, favoring a loose confederation of independent states.
John Locke: Enlightenment thinker who introduced ideas of the social contract and natural rights, influencing American political thought regarding self-governance and individual liberties.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts and events from Unit 2 of AP US History, focusing on economic policies like mercantilism and pivotal acts such as the Stamp Act of 1765. Test your knowledge of these fundamentals to prepare for your exam.